Ben Stokes has pulled out of the upcoming five-match Test series against India citing mental health issues. Several teammates and ex-cricketers have come in support of the England all-rounder's decision.
England will take on India in a five-match Test series starting from 4 August. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had confirmed that Stokes had taken an indefinite break from cricket on Friday. The board said that Stokes will not participate in the upcoming series to prioritize his mental health and rest his left index finger.
England Spinner Jack Leach has supported Stokes with whom he shared the legendary last wicket partnership at Headingly in Ashes 2019. The spinner said that Ben Stokes has shown courage and bravery to prioritize his mental health.
"All the lads are behind Ben and supporting him where we can. He has shown courage and bravery to prioritize his mental health. He is a focal part of our team and we will miss him," ESPNCricinfo quoted Jack Leach
Ashley Giles, the Managing Director of ECB has also come in support of Ben stokes and said that the board’s primary focus has been and will continue to be the mental health of their players.
“Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing. Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and welfare of all of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this," Ashley Giles said.
Somerset’s Craig Overton has been named as Stokes’ replacement for the series.
(Inputs: ANI)
